Willie Colón, an American salsa musician and actor, died on February 21, 2026.
Born William Anthony Colón Román on April 28, 1950, he began his career as a trombonist and later sang, wrote, produced and acted. He was a pioneer of salsa music and a best-selling artist in the genre, and was a key figure in the early New York City scene associated with Fania Records.
His hit songs included “Aguanilé” with Héctor Lavoe, “Tiburón” and “El gran varón.”
William Anthony Colón Román (April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026) was an American salsa musician and social activist. He began his career as a trombonist but also sang, wrote, produced and acted. Colón was a pioneer of salsa music and a best-selling artist in the genre, having been a key figure in the beginnings of the New York City scene associated with Fania Records. He was also noteworthy for having assumed the gangster image in his album covers before it was culturally popular. From the 1980s on, he was at times deeply involved in the politics of New York City. His hit songs include “Aguanilé” with Hector Lavoe, “Tiburón”, and “El gran varón”.